The Gentle Kindness of Kyoto, Softly Spoken

There is a phrase often misunderstood by those who are not from Kyoto:

“Would you like some bubu-zuke?” (a simple dish of rice with tea)

Some say, “That sounds polite, but isn’t it actually a way of saying, ‘It’s time for you to go’?”

And yes, it is sometimes taken that way.

But that is not the whole story.

In Kyoto, words are often chosen not to push someone away, but to care for them gently.

Rather than saying directly, “It might be time to leave,”

we offer something soft, leaving space for the other person to decide.

The guest, sensing this, may respond,

“No, thank you. I should be going now,”

and leave with dignity and peace.

This way of speaking—avoiding directness, honoring the other’s heart—

has been shaped over many years as part of Kyoto’s culture.

It is not coldness, but kindness.

A quiet way of caring for one another.

And when we speak of bubu-zuke, we cannot forget Kyoto’s traditional pickles.

Among them are three well-known varieties: senmaizuke, suguki, and shibazuke.

These have been part of Kyoto’s food culture since ancient times, nurtured by the region’s pure water and rich soil.

Personally, I love suguki the most.

So, to tell you the truth—

you are most welcome to stay.

Please, take your time,

and enjoy some bubu-zuke with suguki. It is truly delicious.

Naomi

March 2026